Claims Timelines and What Makes Them So Important

Maintaining a detailed timeline of events is crucial to support an extension of time and cost claim. The importance of a good timeline cannot be overlooked, with some of the key reasons detailed below.

Evidence of Contract Compliance

A timeline is a crucial asset for showcasing contract compliance by highlighting adherence to deadlines and responsibilities. It serves as tangible proof in disputes regarding satisfaction of contractual requirements, with reference to submitted notices also playing a significant role.

Documentation of Delays

Construction claims often revolve around delays. A timeline provides a clear record of when delays occurred, their duration, who was responsible for the cause of the delay and the impact on the project. This is critical for asserting or defending claims related to extensions of time.

Cause and Effect Relationship

A well-maintained timeline helps in illustrating the cause and effect relationship between an event (like a delay due to unexpected site conditions) and its impact on the project timeline. This is essential for substantiating claims for additional costs or time.

Efficient Dispute Resolution

A detailed timeline can accelerate the dispute resolution process, providing clear facts and reducing the areas of disagreement between parties.

Cost Claims

Timelines can support claims for additional payment due to changes in the scope of work, unforeseen conditions, or other disruptions. Detailed records help in quantifying these claims.

Clear and Brief

Timelines are simple to understand and help to summarise events effectively. They should be the core of every claim submission.

While claims timelines are important, it should be recognised not all are created equal. To understand what to include in a good claims timeline to support an extension of time and cost claim, view our What to Include in a Good Claims Timeline story.

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Disclaimer: This paper does not in any way constitute any type of legal or professional advice whatsoever and in no way should be relied upon by any party whatsoever in any jurisdiction.